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`{amt
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`patent Ottico
`Office eurepéen 3
`des brevets
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`EP 3 073 703 A1
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`EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION
`
`(43) Date of publication:
`28.09.2016 Bulletin 2016/39
`
`(21) Application number: 153054150
`
`(22) Date of filing: 23.03.2015
`
`(51) lnt Cl.:
`H04L 29l06f2005-00
`H04W4100(2°°9-01)
`H04W 84118900907)
`
`H04H 20/57r2008.01)
`Ho4w 4103200101)
`
`(84) Designated Contracting States:
`AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES Fl FR GB
`GR HR HU lE IS IT Ll LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO
`PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR
`
`Designated Extension States:
`BA ME
`
`Designated Validation States:
`MA
`
`(71) Applicant: Laboratories Thomson Ltd.
`8048 Ziirich (CH)
`
`(72) lnventor: Keller, Anton Werner
`8905 Arni (CH)
`
`(74) Representative: Lindemann, Robert
`Deutsche Thomson OHG
`Karl-Wiechert—Allee 10
`
`30625 Hannover (DE)
`
`
`
`(54)
`
`Method and system for sharing music and other audio content among mobile devices
`
`A method and system for sharing an audio con—
`(57)
`tent item among mobile devices (22) utilizing a mobile
`application (100, 1 10) is provided. The mobile application
`(100, 110) enables a user (212) of a mobile device (222)
`to identify and contact another user (21 1) of another mo—
`bile device (221) based on the audio content ilem playing
`on that device (221) and to share listening to the audio
`content item among the devices (212, 222). Accordingly,
`the mobile application (100, 1 10) facilitates meeting peo—
`ple with, for example, a similar music taste. With the mo-
`bile application (100, 110), an audio content item can be
`broadcasted from a first mobile device (35) and can be
`received by a second mobile device (36) over a wireless
`connection between the two devices. The bit rate (41,
`42) for broadcasting the audio content item can be dif-
`ferentiated depending on one or more conditions.
`
`
`
`Fig. 11
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`Printed by Jouve, 75001 PARlS (FR)
`
`EP3073703A1
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`EP 3 073 703 A1
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`Description
`
`TECHNiCAL FlELD
`
`{0001} The present invention generally relates to peer-to-peer data sharing and accessing and, more particularly, to
`a method and system for sharing an audio content item among mobile devices.
`
`BACKGROUND
`
`{0002} The fast spreading of smart mobile devices has changed the way people create and share multimedia contents.
`Listening to music that is proposed by someone else is known from digital music services, such as "Spotify" or "iTunes".
`This kind of music sharing allows a "follower" to listen to music liked by a “leader", e.g., using a connection to a cloud
`service providing the music to be shared. Another alternative is a point—to-point connection for transmitting music by
`Bluetooth, as proposed by several mobile phone manufacturers.
`{0003} The increasing number of personal devices with wireless communication capabilities makes the creation of
`spontaneous opportunistic networks possible, in which mobile devices communicate occasionally depending on contact
`opportunities. Opportunistic networks are typically composed of mobile and static nodes that are able to take advantage
`of opportunistic time-varying contacts and, thus, characterized by being highly dynamic. Mobile nodes adapted for
`participating in opportunistic networks are typically enabled to communicate with each other even if a central routing
`instance for connecting them does not exist. Furthermore, nodes are not supposed to possess or acquire any knowledge
`about the network topology.
`{0004} An idea proposed by the article “What a juke! A collaborative music sharing system" by Zhaofei Chen et al.,
`World of Wireless, Mobile and Multimedia Networks (WoWMoM), 2012 lEEE lntemational Symposium, San Francisco,
`CA,USA is to distribute contents opportunistically when devices are within each other‘s communication range. Mobile
`devices are usually carried by the users and moved around according to users‘ mobility. Therefore any two mobile
`devices have a probability to stay within direct communication range in a certain public area which their users may get
`into. Media contents on the mobile devices then can be exchanged during these opportunistic short "meetings". instead
`of communication with network address and routing protocols, the mobile devices can contact each other based on the
`contents they have. During a "meeting", i.e. when two mobile devices are within communication range, one ofthe devices
`checks the content on the other one and decide which to request. The opportunistic content-centric networking concept
`introduced in the article employs content-driven protocols and can be used for content dissemination among mobile
`devices using the devices’ mobility. "Podnet" middleware architecture is disclosed according to such concept. Contrary
`to other known wireless ad hoc content sharing systems, here the concept of sharing does not aim at exchanging music
`files between neighboring nodes but rather to stream them to a central unit one at a time so that everyone can enjoy
`the music as long as they are in the vicinity. Typical venues to setup such a system can be bars and pubs, where people
`gather for entertainment, and at home.
`{0005}
`Still the known prior art content sharing systems do not facilitate meeting people with a similar music taste and
`having the possibility of interaction.
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`{0006} With more and more people wearing headphones in the streets and other public places while listening to music
`content on their respective mobile devices it becomes more difficult for those people to get in contact with like minded
`peers. Based on music-taste users of mobile devices could easily identify like-minded users listening to music content
`on their mobile devices, ifthey had a chance to know what they are listening to. Embodiments of the invention will enable
`users of mobile devices to identify and contact another user of a mobile device based on the music content playing on
`his device and to share listening to the music content among the devices. Accordingly, embodiments of the invention
`facilitate meeting people with a similar music taste and having the possibility of interaction.
`{0007}
`it is an advantage of embodiments ofthe invention that broadcasting the music a first person is currently listening
`on a mobile device is enabled and that at least a second person with a mobile device can pick up the broadcast, find
`out what the person broadcasting is currently listening, get in contact with the first person, and share his or her own
`music. it is a further advantage of embodiments of the invention that the music content sharing as disclosed could
`become part of a social network community, such as, for example, "Facebook".
`{0008}
`it is an advantage of embodiments of the invention that the bit rate for broadcasting the audio content item,
`such as music or other audio content, can be differentiated depending on one or more conditions.
`{0009}
`it is a further advantage of embodiments of the invention that information about an existing broadcast offered
`by a mobile device can be provided through Wi—Fi SSlD or a public webpage.
`{0010} According to embodiments of the present invention, a method for sharing an audio content item among at least
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`two mobile devices is disclosed. The method comprises playing the audio content item on a first mobile device; broad—
`casting the audio content item using the first mobile device; detecting the broadcasted audio content item with a second
`mobile device; establishing a wireless connection between the first mobile device and the second mobile device; and
`receiving the broadcasted audio content item with the second mobile device in real time, targeted for immediate listening.
`Targeted for immediate listening in this context means that the audio content is reproduced as the stream is received,
`but some amount of buffering for compensating varying receiving conditions or the like may be present. The expression
`"real time" in the context of broadcasting content or receiving content means that the data representing the content is
`not transmitted or received in one piece before the reproduction actually starts. Rather, data is transmitted or received
`as required for reproduction in a streaming fashion. it is advantageous that the audio content item played on the first
`mobile device is only streamed and not copied to the second mobile device. it is an advantage that a localized wireless
`audio network, ie. a network that does not require any infrastructure such as routers and access points, for shared
`listening of recorded music or other audio content can be established between the first mobile device and the second
`mobile device.
`
`{0011} According to embodiments ofthe present invention, the method further includes broadcasting the audio content
`item at a first bit rate; and broadcasting the audio content item at a second bit rate that is higher than the first bit rate
`upon transmitting a request signal from the second mobile device and upon acceptance of the request at the first mobile
`device. The request may be accepted in response to a user input or automatically. Automatic acceptance of the request
`may be unconditional or conditional, e.g. when the requesting device provides identification information along with or in
`connection to the request, or when the requesting device also offers broadcasting of audio content. or the like. Other
`conditions are conceivable and are within the scope of the present invention.
`{0012} According to embodiments of the present invention, the method further includes the step of establishing the
`wireless connection between the first mobile device and the second mobile device by establishing a wireless local area
`network (WLAN) in accordance with the institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (lEEE) 802.11 standards.
`{0013} According to preferred embodiments of the present invention, the method further includes the steps of trans—
`mitting an identification signal with a Wi-Fi transceiver ofthe first mobile device; requesting an lP-address with the Wi—
`Fi transceiver of the second mobile device; assigning the lP-address to the second mobile device thereby establishing
`a wireless connection between the first mobile device and the second mobile device; and starting the broadcast of the
`audio content item with the first mobile device upon receiving a request from the second mobile device.
`{0014} According to preferred embodiments of the present invention, the method further includes detecting the broad—
`casted audio content item with at least one additional mobile device; establishing a wireless connection between the
`first mobile device and the at least one additional mobile device; and receiving the broadcasted audio content item with
`the second mobile device and the at least one additional mobile device in real time.
`it is advantageous that the first
`mobile device serves as a hotspot and; thus. additional mobile devices can join the localized wireless audio network.
`{0015} According to preferred embodiments ofthe present invention, the method is implemented by a mobile application
`running on the first mobile device and the second mobile device. Once the mobile application is activated on the first
`mobile device and the second mobile device the wireless connection and the broadcast and reception of the audio
`content item are handled by the mobile application.
`{0016} According to preferred embodiments of the present invention; the method further includes the step of activating
`a Wi-Fi transceiver when activating the mobile application.
`{0017} According to preferred embodiments of the present invention, the method further includes the step of activating
`a Bluetooth transceiver when activating the mobile application.
`{0018} According to preferred embodiments of the present invention; the method further includes the step of activating
`a Long Term Evolution (LTE) or Universal Mobile Telecommunication (UMTS) transceiver when activating the mobile
`application.
`{0019} According to preferred embodiments of the present invention, the method further includes the step of activating
`an AM or FM transmitter or receiver when activating the mobile application, when receiving a request for broadcasting
`audio content, or when a request for broadcasting audio content has been accepted.
`{0020} According to preferred embodiments of the present invention, the mobile application implementing the method
`provides different operating modes. The mobile application includes an off-mode, where the mobile application is turned
`off; an idling-mode, where the mobile application is sending an identifier; a broadcasting—mode, where the audio content
`item is steadily transmitted; a receiving-mode, where the broadcasted audio content item is received; and a tuning-mode;
`where the mobile application searches for the identifier and the broadcasted audio content item.
`{0021} According to preferred embodiments of the present invention, the tuning-mode is activated during the idling-
`mode, the broadcasting—mode, or the receiving—mode.
`{0022} According to preferred embodiments ofthe present invention, the method further includes the steps of providing
`a first broadcasting-mode, where the audio content item is broadcasted at a first, lower bit rate; and providing a second
`broadcasting-mode, where the audio content item is broadcasted at a second, higher bit rate.
`{0023} According to preferred embodiments ofthe present invention, the method further includes the step oftransmitting
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`a genre or other identifier ofthe audio content item to be broadcasted or being broadcasted.
`{0024} According to preferred embodiments of the present invention, the method further includes the step of intercon—
`necting a social network with the mobile application.
`{0025} According to embodiments of the present invention, a system for sharing an audio content item among at least
`two mobile devices is disclosed. The system comprises a mobile application and at least two mobile devices, each
`mobile device having the mobile application installed. The mobile application provides an off-mode, where the mobile
`application is turned off; an idling-mode, where the mobile application is sending an identifier; a first broadcasting-mode,
`where the audio content item is broadcasted at a low bit rate; a second broadcasting-mode, where the audio content
`item is broadcasted at a higher bit rate; a receiving-mode, where the broadcasted audio content item is received; and
`a tuning—mode, where the mobile application searches for the identifier and the broadcasted audio content item.
`{0026} According to the advantageous embodiments ofthe present invention, a mobile application for sharing an audio
`content item among at least two mobile devices comprises software code and is adapted to perform the steps of the
`method for sharing an audio content item among at least two mobile devices.
`{0027} According to an embodiment ofthe present invention a first wireless interface broadcasts an identifier, indicating
`availability of a broadcast, and optionally also indicating one or more of a genre and a title currently broadcast. The
`identifier may also provide information about a second wireless interface, over which the broadcast can be received.
`The second wireless interface includes one of an AM or an FM transmitter. The identifier may provide a frequency for
`tuning an AM or an FM receiver to the broadcast.
`{0028}
`in an embodiment of the method the AM or FM broadcast is active when the user of a first mobile device listens
`to audio content. A user of a second mobile can simply tune an AM or FM transmitter to the broadcast and start to listen.
`{0029}
`in another embodiment the AM or FM broadcast is not automatically active when the user of a first mobile
`device listens to audio content. ln order to listen to the audio content the first user is listening to a user of a second
`mobile device needs to establish a connection between the second mobile device and the first mobile device using the
`first wireless interface, and request the first mobile device to activate a second wireless interface, e.g. an AM or FM
`transmitter, and broadcast the audio content. information about the type of the second wireless interface and a frequency
`or the like may be conveyed over the connection established via the first wireless interface. Once the first mobile device
`has accepted the request it activates the AM or FM transmitter and broadcasts the audio content. The second mobile
`device tunes to the AM or FM broadcast and reproduces the broadcasted audio content. Accepting the request may
`depend from various conditions. For example, a user who wants to listen may have to identify to the first mobile device,
`e.g. by providing an email address, or social network contact information. The identification information may need to be
`confirmed prior to starting broadcasting. Accepting a request may also depend from the user ofthe second mobile device
`providing audio content in exchange for listening to the first user’s audio content.
`{0030} A non-transitory program storage device, readable by a computer, tangibly embodying a program of instructions
`executable by the computer to perform a method comprising: playing the audio content item on a first mobile device;
`broadcasting the audio content item by the first mobile device; detecting the broadcasted audio content item with a
`second mobile device; establishing a wireless connection between the first mobile device and the second mobile device;
`and receiving the broadcasted audio content item with the second mobile device in real time. it is advantageous that
`the audio content item played on the first mobile device is mapped and not copied to the second mobile device. it is an
`advantage that a localized wireless audio network for shared listening of recorded music or other audio content can be
`established between the first mobile device and the second mobile device.
`
`BRlEF DESCRlPTlON OF THE DRAWlNGS
`
`Preferred embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below by way of example with reference
`{0031}
`to the schematic drawings, which show:
`
`Fig. 1 a schematic diagram of a group of mobile device users wearing headphones in a public place according to
`the prior art;
`
`Fig. 2 a schematic diagram of a group of mobile device users wearing headphones in a public place in accordance
`with an embodiment of the invention;
`
`Fig. 3 a flowchart illustrating a first contact between two users of a mobile device in accordance with an embodiment
`of the invention;
`
`Fig. 4 a flowchart illustrating a second contact between two users of a mobile device in accordance with an embod—
`iment of the invention;
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`Fig. 5 a flowchart illustrating a first changing of the broadcaster/follower setup in accordance with an embodiment
`of the invention;
`
`Fig. 6 a flowchart illustrating a second changing of the broadcaster/follower setup in accordance with an embodiment
`of the invention;
`
`Fig. 7 a flowchart illustrating a second contact between to users ofa mobile device from an idling mode in accordance
`with an embodiment of the invention;
`
`Fig. 8 a flowchart illustrating the establishment of a connection between a first user and a second user in accordance
`with an embodiment of the invention;
`
`Fig. 9 a flowchart illustrating the establishment of a connection with two additional users in accordance with an
`embodiment of the invention;
`
`Fig. 10 a schematic diagram illustrating the different modes of the mobile application in accordance with an embod—
`iment of the invention;
`
`Fig. 11 a schematic diagram of a system for sharing audio content items among mobile device users in accordance
`with an embodiment of the invention; and
`
`Fig. 12 a schematic block diagram of an exemplary mobile device.
`
`{0032}
`
`Similar or same elements are referenced with the same reference numbers.
`
`DESCRIPTlON OF EMBODlMENTS
`
`it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the block diagrams presented herein represent conceptual
`{0033}
`views of illustrative system components and/or circuitry embodying the principles of the invention. Similarly, it will be
`appreciated that any flow charts, flow diagrams, state transition diagrams, pseudo code, and the like represent various
`processes which may be substantially represented in computer readable storage media and so executed by a computer
`or processor, whether or not such computer or processor is explicitly shown.
`{0034} Referring to Fig. 1, a group of users 11 in a in a public place is illustrated according to the known prior art. Each
`user 11 is shown having a mobile device 12 and wearing a headphone 13. The mobile device 12 may have short-range
`communication capabilities. Each user 11 may be listening to music or other audio content on his mobile device 12.
`Public places may be, for example, but are not limited to a street, a train, a waiting area, or a restaurant. Mobile devices
`11 may include, for example, but are notlimited to smart phones, iPods, ortablet computers. With more and more people,
`the users 11. wearing headphones 13 in the streets and other public places while listening to music content on their
`respective mobile devices 12 it becomes more difficult for those people to get in contact with like-minded peers. Based
`on music taste users 11 of mobile devices 12 could easily identify like—minded users 11 listening to music content on
`their mobile devices 11, if they had a chance to know what they are listening to.
`{0035} Referring to Fig. 2, a group of users 21 in a public place is illustrated in accordance with an embodiment of the
`invention. Each user 21 is shown having a mobile device 22 and wearing a headphone 23. Each user 21 may be listening
`to music or other audio content on his mobile device 22. Public places may be, for example, but are not limited to a
`street, a train, a waiting area, or a restaurant. Mobile devices 22 may include, for example, but are not limited to smart
`phones, iPods, or tablet computers. A first user 211 and a second user 212 are shown using a mobile application for
`sharing an audio content item, such as music or other audio content, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
`A mobile application or application software is commonly known as mobile app and is a computer program designed to
`run on mobile devices 22.
`
`For example, the first user 211 is in a public space, such as a train, listening to a certain type of music, such
`{0036}
`as R&B (Rhythm & Blues) on a first mobile device 221, such as his mobile phone. The first user 211 is in the mood of
`"meeting" someone with the same music taste. The first user 211 turns on the mobile application in accordance with an
`embodiment of the invention and starts broadcasting the music currently played on his mobile device 221 , e.g. via a Wi-
`Fi or Bluetocth connection. instead of music, other audio content, such as, for example, voice recordings, or audio books,
`may be broadcasted by the first user 211. The generalized expression audio content item may be used for all audio
`content broadcasted. The broadcasting may comprise streaming of digital representations of the audio content targeted
`for reproducing audio content in real time on a receiving device, targeted for reproduction in real time meaning that some
`buffering may be present.
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`{0037} The second user 212 is in the same public space, for example, sits in the same train, and would like to listen
`to some good music but all radio stations do not seem appropriate and his own music library has been listened to so
`many times. The second user 212 turns on the mobile application in accordance with an embodiment of the invention
`on a second mobile device 222, such as his mobile phone. Contrary to the first user 211, the second user 212 does not
`broadcast audio content. Rather, he tries to find someone who broadcasts music he or she is currently listening to,
`i.e."tunes" to a broadcast of the first user. Tuning is preceded by searching for audio content broadcasted in the public
`space he is currently in and with a detector-like function of the mobile application the second user 212 discovers the
`broadcast of the first user 211. The second user 212 decides to listen to the music broadcasted by the first user 211. lf
`a plurality of users broadcast whatever audio content they are listening to, the user may be presented a selection menu
`for selecting a broadcast he or she deems suitable.
`{0038} After listening a while to the music or any other audio content broadcasted by the first user 211, the second
`user 212 may decide to become a steady "follower" of the first user 211 and sends a signal to the first user211 indicating
`his desire, for example by pressing a request button. The first user 211 receives the information that he has a "follower“
`and may accept the request from the second user 212. if the first user 211 declines that request, the broadcasting may
`be interrupted. When the request is accepted the second user 212 may continue to listen to the music or other audio
`content broadcasted by the first user 211 until he leaves the transmission range. Whenever the second user 212 may
`come back into the transmission range of the first user 211, the second user 212 may get a message on the second
`mobile device 222 indicating this or the second user 212 may be connected automatically to the broadcasting of the first
`user 211. Accepting a request may also include broadcasting the audio content at a higher data rate than before receiving
`and accepting the request, providing a better audio quality to the "follower".
`{0039}
`Streaming of the audio content may be coupled with use of social media. For example, the new contact can
`be implemented in a social network application, such as "Facebook"- like application and then allow exchanging text
`messages, pictures, or video-telephony.
`{0040} The method for sharing an audio content item, such as music or any other type of audio content, among at
`least two mobile devices utilizing a mobile application in accordance with an embodiment of the invention will be described
`in detail below in reference to various flowcharts.
`
`{0041} Referring to Fig. 3, a first contact between a first user 31 and a second user 32 is illustrated in accordance with
`an embodiment of the invention. ln a first step 301, the first user 31 listens to music or other audio content on a first
`mobile device 35 and decides to broadcast the music or other audio content that is currently playing on the first mobile
`device 35. in orderto do so, the first user 31 activates the mobile application in accordance with an embodiment of the
`present invention on the first mobile device 35, for example by pressing an activation button, and starts broadcasting
`the music or other audio content that is currently playing on the first mobile device 35. in a following step 302, the second
`user 32 activates the mobile application in accordance with an embodiment ofthe present invention, but uses a tuning—
`mode 105 (see Fig. 10) to search for music or other audio content broadcasted nearby. The second user 32 finds the
`music or other audio content broadcasted by the first user 31, tunes into the broadcasting and starts listening to the
`music or other audio content broadcasted by the first user 31. The second user 32 is now a silent listener, which means
`that the first user 31 may not be aware that the second user 32 listens to the music or other audio content broadcasted
`by the first user 31. ln 3 following step 303, the second user 32 requests becoming an active follower of the first user
`31 and sends a signal to the first mobile device 35, for example by pushing a request button. The decision to become
`an active follower may be based, for example, on the liking of the genre ofthe music or other audio content. in a following
`step 304, the first user 31 accepts the request and the second user 32 becomes an active follower of the first user 31.
`The first user 31 may now be listed on a list of broadcasters on the second mobile device 36 of the second user 32. By
`request or automatically, which can, for example, be a menu option, the first user 31 may become an active follower of
`the second user 32 in a following step 305. Once the second user 32 accepts that request, the first user may be listed
`on a list of followers on the second mobile device 36 of the second user 32 in a step 306, and may become a listener.
`{0042} Referring to Fig. 4, a second contact between a first user 31 and a second user 32 is illustrated in accordance
`with an embodiment of the invention. in a first step 401 , the first user 31 listens to music or other audio content on a first
`mobile device 35 and decides to broadcast the music or other audio content that is currently playing on the first mobile
`device 35. in a following step 402, the second user 32, who may have the mobile application in accordance with an
`embodiment of the present invention activated moves into the transmission range of the first user 31 and receives the
`information that the first user 31 is broadcasting the music or other audio content that is currently playing on the first
`mobile device 35. Since the second user 32 is already an accepted follower of the first user 31, the activation of a
`command to follow the first user 31 enabling the second user 32 to listen the music or other audio content broadcasted
`by the first user 31 can be done automatically or manually, which can be a menu option. The first user 31 and the second
`user 32 are now both listening to the music or other audio content that is played on the first mobile device 35 of the first
`user 31.
`ln a step 403, the first user 31 may receive the information that the second user 32 is following and actively
`listens to the audio content the first user 31 is broadcasting.
`{0043} Referring to Fig. 5, a first changing of the broadcaster/follower setup is illustrated in accordance with an em-
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`bodiment of the invention. The initial situation, step 501, may be that both the first user 31 and the second user 32 have
`the mobile application in accordance with an embodiment of the invention activated and that, as shown in Fig. 3, the
`first user 31 is broadcasting music or other audio content that is currently playing on the first mobile device 35 and that
`the second user 32 is actively following the first user 31, so that both, the first user 31 and the second user 32 are
`listening the audio content currently playing on the first mobile device 35 of the first user 31 . in a following step 502, the
`second user 32 may propose to the first user 31 to listen to music or other audio content from the second mobile device
`36. When the first user 31 accepts this offer in a step 503, then the second user 32 starts broadcasting music or other
`audio content from the second mobile device 36 in a step 504. The first user 31 and the second user 32 are now both
`listening to the music or other audio content that is played on the second mobile device 36 of the second user 32.
`{0044} Referring to Fig. 6, a first changing of the broadcaster/follower setup is illustrated in accordance with an em—
`bodiment of the invention. Alternatively to the method as shown in Fig. 5, where the second user 32 proposes to the
`first user 31 to listen to music or other audio content from the second mobile device 36, the first user 31 may send a
`request to the second user 32 to play music or other audio content on the second mobile device 36 and to broadcast
`that content, in a step 601. The second user 32 may accept or decline such a request. When accepting the request, the
`first user 31 and the second user 32 may both be listening to the music or other audio content that is currently played
`on the second mobile device 36 of the second user 32, according to the steps 502 to 504 as described in connection
`with Fig. 5.
`{0045} Referring to Fig. 7, a second contact between the first user 31 and the second user 32 while in an idling-mode
`102 (see Fig. 10) is illustrated in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. ln a first step 701, the first mobile
`device 35 and the second mobile device 36 are in an idling-mode 102, where the mobile application in accordance with
`an embodiment ofthe invention is activated on both mobile devices but neither mobile device broadcasts music or other
`
`audio content. Accordingly, the first user 31 is listening to music or other audio content playing on the first mobile device
`35 and the second user 32 is listening to music or other audio content playing on the